Published 6:00 am, Sunday, February 6, 2011

Just like virtually all of the Plainview Christian Lady Eagles' other district match-ups this season, Friday's final home game of the season against Kingdom Prep came down to the last minute.

With her team down by one point with 40 seconds left, Plainview Christian's Audrey Sisemore hit a jumper to give the Lady Eagles a 39-38 lead.

Kingdom Prep's Kayla Pepper then was fouled and went to the free-throw line where she made her first but missed the rim on the second, giving the ball to the Lady Eagles with 30 seconds left and the game tied at 39.

Once again, Sisemore came up big for the Lady Eagles.

The sophomore guard nailed a clutch 3-pointer to put Plainview Christian in the lead, but Kingdom Prep still had 10 seconds to answer.

After the visitors from Lubbock called a timeout to set up a play, Lady Eagle senior Bonnie Kate Sisemore went for a steal. Instead, she was called for her fifth foul and sent Sydney Squires to the line with three seconds left.

She made her first but her second attempt was no good. Kelsey Ehrlich pulled down the rebound for Plainview Christian, giving the Lady Eagles the heart-thumping 42-40 victory.

The win secured a spot in the post-season for Plainview Christian (10-8, 6-2 district), but exactly where that spot is still unknown. Prior to Friday the Lady Eagles were tied for first with Wichita Falls Notre Dame, Amarillo Ascension and Wichita Falls Christian. Kingdom Prep fell to 7-15, 4-5.

Four of the six District 1-1A teams make the TAPPS playoffs.

With two more games left in the regular season, plus the postponement of other teams' games due to last week's winter storms, which seed the Lady Eagles will end up with is unclear.

"I love these types of games," head coach Andra French said. "These games are stressful and the crowd gets into them. You learn what you're made of in this type of game and it pays off in the playoffs where it counts. And the more prepared we are the better."

For Plainview Christian's two seniors - Amelia McIlroy and Bonnie Kate Sisemore - Friday marked their final games in the Eagle's Nest. While Sisemore has been a staple on the team for the past four years, McIlroy joined the squad this season.

McIlroy returned Friday after being injured in last week's game against Wichita Falls Notre Dame when she was carted off on a stretcher after suffering her second concussion of the season. She said she's feeling a lot better now.

McIlroy, a transfer from Plainview High School where she played basketball her freshman and sophomore years before taking a break her junior year, is happy to be a part of the Lady Eagles.

"It was something I had to adjust to," she said. "I watched them play last year and really wanted to be a part of the team."

She finished Friday's game with four points and eight rebounds.

"Playing with these girls is amazing," she said. "I've enjoyed playing with them and keeping everyone pumped up and ready to play."

Bonnie Kate Sisemore, who finished with 12 points, summed up the season as "a little rough," but she's happy with the way the Lady Eagles are pulling together to finish it out.

"We've started playing together as a team," she said before reflecting on the final home game. "I'm going to miss all of it. It's a weird feeling to know I'll never play with these girls again."

Like her sister, Audrey Sisemore also finished with 12 points, while Lauren Johnson had 10 rebounds.

Kingdom Prep was led by Squires with 25 points.

The Lady Eagles next head to Amarillo Ascension on Tuesday with tip-off set for 6 p.m. The regular season ends Friday with a trip to Wichita Falls Christian.